Minase Shrinks the Mastercraft J3 to 37mm and Gives It a Japanese Movement

Minase is a watchmaker from Akita, Japan, best known for incredibly intricate multi-part steel cases with sapphire panels set into the sides that allow for an unusual look at the sides of their often three-dimensional dials. They also make the Mastercraft J3, their simplest watch. And at $2,050 it is also the cheapest. This new Mastercraft J3 gets a new case and it's also the Minase with a Japanese movement, which is interesting.

The steel case of the J3 is 37mm wide and 9.9mm thick. It is a smaller version of the M3, the tonneau-shaped model we've seen before. Minase calls the shape a cushion, but the profile is closer to a 1970s helmet case. The tops are brushed, and the bevels and round bezel get Sallaz polishing. Minase does this polish as well as anyone at this price. On top is a sapphire crystal, out back is a closed caseback and you get 50 meters of water resistance. I think 100 would have been kind of a necessity at this price point and with this style.

The dial come in white, beige or black, all with a sand texture. The indices and hands are applied, stepped and polished, with blue lume inside them. A raised chapter ring has cutouts where the rectangular indices sit.

Inside is the Miyota calibre 90S5, an automatic running at 4Hz with a 42-hour power reserve and hacking seconds. The original M3 used a Sellita SW200-1, chosen because a Swiss calibre carried weight with Japanese buyers. Switching to Miyota makes sense for a Japanese brand, and the 90S5’s slim build is the reason the case stays under 10mm. You get 10 strap options in total: three embossed calfskin, four textured leather, two rubber and a steel bracelet, all with quick-release fittings.

The Minase Mastercraft J3 is available for order now, priced at $2,050 on leather, $2,080 on rubber and $2,500 on the steel bracelet. See more on the Minase website.